While the Panthers made several mistakes, Lakeside also made several big plays on both sides of the ball in its 39-9 win over the Patriots.

“This team has found a way to fight adversity to find a way to win,” Troxler said. “We’re excited that we got the win, but I’m not going to get a lot of sleep tonight.”

Coming off a bye week following its win over Thomson, Lakeside (Class AAAAA) improved to 2-1 and defeated its Class AA opponent for the seventh consecutive time. At times, the Panthers displayed an explosive offense. But a pair of key defensive plays helped keep the Patriots at arm’s length.

Early in the second quarter with his team up 14-3, safety Rashad Roundtree intercepted a Jalen Lampkin pass at the 3 and returned it 78 yards to set up a touchdown. Midway through the fourth quarter with the Panthers up 26-9, B.J. Raymond scooped up a fumble at the 5 and rumbled 95 yards for a touchdown.

“We have a lot of athletes on each side of the ball,” senior wide receiver Jonathan Edwards said. “We can’t always get everybody the ball, but when they get the ball they do what they have to do to get stuff done.”

Edwards helped stake Lakeside to an early lead with a three first-half touchdowns. Edwards hauled in scoring receptions of 32 and 26 yards from Hunter Banks. He also added a 78-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Lakeside totaled just 252 yards of offense, including 90 yards rushing. The Panthers also committed three turnovers, forcing Troxler to stay up late to watch film after the contest.

Westside will have plenty to work on next week as well. The Patriots rushed for 184 yards but on 52 carries (3.5 yards per rush). Westside also committed three turnovers, two inside the red zone.

Lampkin, who rushed for 65 yards, threw two interceptions. He provided the team’s lone touchdown, bulling his way into the end zone on a driving 17-yard run to pull Westside within 11 just before halftime.

“They fought hard and played hard all night,” Patriots coach Steve Hibbitts said. “It’s just those little mistakes here and there that really cost us.”

LAKESIDE 39, WESTSIDE 9

PLAY OF THE GAME: After Westside pulled within 7-3, Jonathan Edwards blazed down the left sideline 72 yards for a kickoff return touchdown.

STAR OF THE GAME: Edwards scored three TDs in the first half and almost had another on a diving attempt on a long pass to the end zone.